Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets are set to conclude a disappointing season with one last game.
As the 41-year-old quarterback prepares to face the Miami Dolphins at home on Sunday, speculation arises that this could be his final appearance not only with the Jets but potentially in his entire career.
Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich confirmed on Monday that Rodgers would start in the season finale despite the team’s struggles, including a crushing 40-14 defeat to the Buffalo Bills.
Ulbrich suggested that no significant changes to the team’s lineup were expected, indicating a focus on finishing the season strong.
“It’s frustrating and maddening to see the kind of results we’ve had,” Ulbrich expressed, acknowledging that tensions might be high among players.
Following the loss, cornerback Sauce Gardner suggested that some teammates might be mentally checked out of the season, while fellow corner D.J. Reed pointed to the offense’s lack of synergy as a major concern.
Despite the discouraging performance that dropped the Jets to a 4-12 record—2-9 under Ulbrich since taking over for the dismissed Robert Saleh—the coach remarked that he did not notice players lacking effort during the game, emphasizing the need for unity going forward.
With a new general manager and head coach anticipated for the coming offseason, Rodgers is expected to be a focal point in discussions about the Jets’ future.
In recent weeks, Rodgers showed improvement, yet his performance against the Bills was among the worst of his distinguished career; he only completed 12 of 18 passes for 112 yards and was replaced in the fourth quarter by Tyrod Taylor.
Additionally, he was sacked four times, surpassing Tom Brady’s record for the most sacks in NFL history, leaving him at 499 touchdown passes in his pursuit of joining the exclusive group of players who have thrown 500 touchdowns.
The option to continue playing is still on the table for Rodgers, as is the possibility of retirement or departure from the Jets.
“I’m going to enjoy next week and then take some mental and physical rest,” he stated after the game.
Off the field, the Jets are actively seeking a new general manager and are initiating plans for head coach interviews.
The franchise has already engaged in discussions with former Atlanta GM Thomas Dimitroff and former Tennessee GM Jon Robinson, alongside Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy.
Reports suggest the Jets may also interview former Carolina and Washington coach Ron Rivera, and Rex Ryan has indicated his interest in returning to the role he previously held with the Jets from 2009 to 2014.
On-field discipline remains a significant issue for the Jets, who recorded 16 accepted penalties in the recent game against the Bills, marking their highest total since 2018.
Linebacker Jamien Sherwood pointed to the challenges of officiating while emphasizing the need for smarter play to avoid unnecessary flags.
Key penalties included a late hit call against Rodgers and a roughing call on Micheal Clemons, which exemplified the team’s struggles with discipline.
Looking to the positives, Tyrod Taylor’s entry revitalized the Jets’ offense, as he completed 11 of 14 throws for 83 yards and two touchdown passes after replacing Rodgers.
Should Rodgers not return, Taylor could provide valuable experience as a potential bridge starter for the Jets’ future quarterback.
Conversely, Rodgers saw his stock drop following a lackluster game against the Bills, casting doubt on whether the team’s management feels confident in him leading the offense into next season.
Injury woes continue to plague the team, with safety Chuck Clark placed on injured reserve and rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley leaving the game with an elbow injury.
Cornerback Gardner also exited after re-injuring a hamstring, and right tackle Morgan Moses faced intermittent issues with a knee injury.
A critical statistic to note is that the Jets have now gone 14 offensive possessions without scoring a touchdown with Rodgers at the helm, dating back to their opening drive against the Los Angeles Rams on December 22.
As the Jets prepare for their final game against the Miami Dolphins, they may play a spoiler role for their AFC East rivals, who still have playoff hopes on the line.
As the season comes to a close, many questions linger regarding the future of the franchise and the direction it will take in the offseason.
